The email from a dean at Pompeu to students who are not attending class: "It is worrying and disappointing"

Barcelona"I am writing to you as the dean of the faculty in response to a situation that I consider serious and that we cannot normalize." This is how the email begins that this Tuesday the dean of one of the faculties of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) sent to the 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students. The professor, consulted by ARA, explains that he decided to send this message after receiving different inputs from various university professors explaining situations of absenteeism, lack of involvement, and little respect from some —though not all— of the first-year undergraduate students. "I have done it with the intention of trying to stir their conscience," explains the dean.

Thus, in the email to which this newspaper has had access, the professor explains that low levels of class attendance have been observed —a phenomenon that was also detected by the UAB, with 40% of students skipping some classes— and also "deficient involvement in following the subjects." In fact, the professor warns that "assignments are often done with little rigor and an uncommitted attitude towards the learning process." And he emphasizes: "In especially valuable activities [...] this dynamic becomes even more (shamefully) evident." Furthermore, he also warns that situations have been encountered where students leave class during breaks and do not return; assignments done "without the minimum rigor," and even, "inadequate or disrespectful treatment of the teaching staff."

After explaining the reasons that led to writing the email, the dean directly addresses the student body: "I will say it clearly: this situation is disappointing and worrying. And it is, mainly, because it reflects a lack of individual responsibility on the part of a significant number of you," he laments in the email. And he warns: "University is a voluntary stage. Precisely because of this, what is expected of you is a real commitment to your education."

It's not just about passing

Beyond absences or poorly done assignments, the professor also addresses a part that is harder to quantify: students' attitudes. "University learning is not just about passing," he warns, emphasizing the need for active classroom attendance. "It happens, to a great extent, in the classroom: in discussions, in contrasting ideas, in interaction with faculty and with peers. Not attending class means giving up on this essential part of the process and missing real opportunities to understand better, make connections, and develop analytical and critical skills," describes the dean.

And, once again, the professor tries to raise students' awareness by insisting: "You must not forget that you are at a public university." In this regard, he reminds them: "This implies that there is a collective effort (from society as a whole and from families) for you to be here," and warns them: "This opportunity also carries a responsibility."

Given this scenario, the dean warns that "these behaviors denote a lack of respect and consideration for academic work, for the people involved, and for the rest of the students. Coming little, getting involved little, and demanding (often with little respect) a lot is not an acceptable combination." He adds that all of this "reflects an immaturity that is not compatible with what is expected of university students."

Finally, the dean concludes the email addressed to 1st and 2nd-year students with a plea: "I therefore ask you for serious reflection and an immediate change in attitude in the way some of you are approaching your studies."